99th ESA Annual Meeting (August 10 -- 15, 2014)

OOS 41

Restoration, Distribution, and Ecology of Tamarix, A Ubiquitous Exotic Species

Few plant species have been as successful throughout the American West as Tamarix (tamarisk, saltcedar), nor have any had as much combined scientific, public, and political attention. Several species of Tamarix have been brought from Eurasia since the 1800s, and the resultant hybrid swarm has been successful in many environments, from riparian zones to arid terraces to urban areas. The combined effects of climate change and rapid evolution of the species is likely to expand its range further in elevation and latitude. Tamarix grows in many places where native trees cannot, which has important consequences for animals that are able to exploit the new shrub. The successful introduction of Diorhabda spp, a defoliating beetle, may affect the behavior of the Southwestern willow flycatcher, which in some areas has transferred its former preference from native willows to the newly dominant Tamarix. Thus, controversy continues about the value of Tamarix in both ecological and anthropogenic terms, critically influencing both policy and management practices. Speakers will give presentations on range and distribution, urban ecology, interactions with animals including the biological control beetle, and the plant’s response to restoration activities.

Objectives:

1) Understand the role of exotic Tamarix in ecosystems at various trophic levels

2) Explore the current and future range of the species and its ecological consequence

3) Develop a consensus in priorities for both science and management

Importance and interest to ESA membership: This truly cosmopolitan tree provides an excellent focus for considering issues in species conservation, ecosystem management, and how species spread into novel environments. Tamarix is now the most common riparian tree in the west and in many places is a target for both conservation and restoration. Many millions of dollars are being spent on its removal, but often with little understanding about the consequences of these actions. Communication among many scientific disciplines is critical for understanding both the significance of Tamarix as a case study in exotic plant introductions, and how they might be managed in the future. This organized oral session is relevant to the fields of population ecology, invasive species science, ecological forecasting, landscape ecology, plant-animal interactions, conservation biology, urban ecology, and restoration ecology.